Sun, fun and panic, Devin and the Moranlets (Summer 2019)

[Autumn Wolfsteade]

July 18th, 2019
11 am

Autumn smiled, carrying a sleepy Lucas on her hip while Avery held her hand Skylar had long since been over at the Moran house but the other three Wolfsteades were just making their way over. Releasing Avery's hand once they were across the street, the woman waved at Devin who, in all her pregnant glory, was already relaxing on the porch. "Morning!" She called cheerfully, glancing aside at the slip n' slide that she knew her boys were itching to get onto as she led them onto the porch.

"Connor and Sky around?" Autumn inquired as she sank in the empty seat beside her close friend. Avery was staying close despite obviously wanting to run off. His mother's gaze calmed him a little since he didn't want to get in trouble but the water was calling him. The woman was busy wiping sunscreen on Luke's forehead and cheeks before swapping him for Avery to do the same. While a tan was eventually inevitable, snowy white skin was a desired thing in Chinese culture. It meant that they were well off and such, not having to be out in the sun at work. Although, that was definitely the case in traditional culture and maybe still in China, here it didn't matter as much. Especially since there would be no pressure for her little boys to find themselves Chinese girls and yada, yada.

But once the boys were slathered and coated in sun screen, Autumn released them to do their thing, sighing since they were fighting to go first on the toy even though it was big enough for them both to slide along at the same time. "Brothers." She sighed since it was always someone arguing with someone else or someone crying from rough housing gone bad! "So how are you two doing this morning?" Autumn asked as she leaned back in the chair, reaching out to teasingly pat Devin's belly. "Your morning sickness still giving you trouble?" Only part of Autumn was jealous that Devin was pregnant yet again. That would have meant one more try for a ballerina for Autumn but then the whole nine months worth of pregnancy, the financial strain and already crowded house, well, that sort of squelched that idea for Autumn. Besides, she was plenty happy with her three boys and not having to be stretched out like a balloon again! "Sky forgot his inhaler. Again."

[Devin Moran]

For the first time in weeks Devin’s ankles weren’t swollen to the size of hams. Skylar had of course come over right after breakfast and Connor announced which changed into asking at his mother’s look if they could go ride bikes down to Mayberry’s for ice cream and back. It was near lunch and so Devin sighed gave Connor a small list of things he could pick up while he was there. Caitie of course wanted to go with them. There was complaining from the boys but Devin didn’t want to hear it. “Just to the drug store and back and yes you are taking Caitie with you. AND BE CAREFUL!” she yelled the last part as the rode off in the summer heat to go get their treats.

“C’mon Taegan… lets get the slip and slide ready for when they get back.”
”But Mommy… I can’t pway on the slip ‘n slide,“ Taegan pouted holding up her blue casted arm.
“Well how about we color then, okay? You can make something for Daddy when he gets home for work to put in his office.”
”Okay, Mommy,” Taegan sighed and shuffled her feet to get her coloring basket and take it outside.

Taegan had gotten it into her head that she could climb the big tree in the backyard just like Connor, Skylar, Ellie, and Geoff did. She had gotten halfway up when she lost her grip and fell breaking her arm. An emergency call to Shane who met them at the hospital (Connor and Caitie went over to their Aunt Autumn’s) and Taegan returned home with a cast on her arm for the next two months. Lugging her 6 month and 18 day pregnant body out into the hot sun, Devin managed to get the slip and slide set up and decided that she just wasn’t going to put it away. It could stay out all summer for all she cared. Sitting in the porch chair, she was drinking a cold glass of sweet tea (decaf of course) when she heard Autumn yell. “They went down to Mayberry’s to get some ice cream! Skylar said you gave him permission to go.” Though knowing Skylar he probably learnt that trick from Connor who had done it once or twice to Autumn and Evan

Patting the chair next to her, Devin looked down to see Taegan busily coloring away and looking up every so often at the slip and slide to sigh. Devin laughed as the boys fought. “It’s not that much better with girls. Taegan thinks Caitie is boring and all Caitie wants to do is use Tae like a life size doll. And both of them just want to follow around Connor everywhere which Connor complains loudly about.” Looking down at her large stomach Devin set down her drink on the little side table. “Besides being bloated and slow and tired and fat? We’re both doing fine. You’d think morning sickness would go away and it did until the third trimester happened. Just like Connor. I think it’s a boy, Shane thinks it’s another girl. I don’t know why we decided to keep it a surprise this time.” At the mention of Skylar forgetting his inhaler, Devin rolled her eyes. “I swear we should just get one for him to keep here. I’d even give you some of Connor’s clothes to keep. They practically live together during the summer.”

[Autumn Wolfsteade]

Autumn smiled softly at Taegan, feeling a little bad since she imagined that watching other kids play on the slide was torture since she couldn’t. The woman shook her head, figuring that the cast made everything a little difficult with the everyday life! Like showers and bath time and getting dressed. Plus she’d always heard it hurts like hell although Autumn had never had that experience in her life. And for that, she was very grateful. Although she had to laugh when Devin informed her to where the boys had run off to, shaking her head. “No, I didn’t but I guess that’s alright.” It was hot and ice cream did sound pretty good. Although she still wished that Skylar had actually gotten permission from her, she wouldn’t have had a problem with that at all.

“Luke, let Avery go first so you can see how he does it.” She called to the remaining two boys. “They fight over nothing at all.” Autumn sighed, shaking her head slightly since it always started off with one of them invading someone else’s space or playing with the favorite toy for too long. That was a big one. The big red fire truck that their grandfather bought them was definitely a favorite and that was a constant argument waiting to happen. “I had to put Luke in time out for biting Skylar the other day. Broke the skin!” She sighed softly, letting out a small sniff of a life. “Boys will be boys, I guess.” She shrugged, glad that they were very well behaved for the most part.

It only took a few more minutes to go by before the two youngest Wolfsteades figured out that they could slide at the same time and now giggles and squeals had reached Autumn’s ears. “But I still want to pinch their cheeks every chance I get. Avery it getting to the point where Skylar was when he stopped wanting Mama’s kisses.” At least in public but that brought a pout to Autumn’s lips, figuring she had to be satisfied with snuggles that she got at home! Her nose wrinkled at the very thought of morning sickness. “Still? Maybe it’s the neonatal vitamins? I heard that they can affect each pregnancy differently.” Or it was just one of those kinds. “Maybe I’m not so jealous anymore.” Mostly teasing was that statement but Autumn always had a bit of a baby jealousy!

“Another girl! Poor Connor and Shane will be even more out numbered.” She laughed, just the opposite of her home but she had to nod at Devin’s comment. “Now that would be a smart idea. Skylar has been asking me to set up the tent in the backyard so Connor could camp over with him. But I’m not sure it’s big enough for everyone.” It seemed like there was a constant amount of pregnant women and children in this town. It was like Evergreen was trying to repopulate the planet or something!

[Devin Moran]

Devin rolled her eyes as her hand drifted over her large belly with fingertips drawing patterns. “I swear, I’m going to make Skylar start bringing me permission slips.” It wasn’t that big of a deal but Connor and Skylar were known for pulling the wool of their mothers’ eyes by saying that the other had given permission. Usually this applied to violent video games and movies. Devin didn’t know if it happened in her house the same way it did in the Moran family, but as soon as Devin said now Connor (and even sometimes Caitie) were over to their father bugging him to give in and not saying that their mother had told them the opposite answer.

“Sometimes I think Tae feels left out. Connor was teasing Caitie and they go off and do these things or fight and she’s just so much younger right now.” Devin knew what having an age gap was like. Joshua and her were eight years apart and that seemed old until now at thirty five and him at twenty-seven about to get married in a year. “See I just get the hair pulling and the complaining about the other. But… and I promised Connor not to tell but… I caught him reading to Taegan the other night before bedtime.” Connor may have been the kid with the skinned knees and brash attitude, but there was an affectionate side to him that he liked to keep hidden; very his father’s son.

Devin laughed knowing how Connor was at that stage. It was right around five. And yet when he had a bad day or was sick or just for no reason at all he’d come up behind her and hug her. These days it was a bit harder so instead he followed his dad’s example and talked to Devin’s stomach saying hi to his new baby brother or sister. “Well none of them like to cuddle with me anymore… well Caitie never did.” It was nice to have someone to talk to about those little things no parenting book ever prepared one for. Not even the kids that came before. Each one of their children were different and it made Devin wonder what this new one was going to be like. “I think it’s just one of those pregnancies. So far today though… fingers crossed,” she joked glad that for the first day in a while she felt good.

As Autumn gave Devin pity, she just laughed. “Connor says he wants another sister… something about liking being the only boy and that it makes him special. Tae is just happy to not be the youngest any more and have someone to boss around besides Teddy and Luke.” If there was anything to say about the current youngest Moran it was that she got her father’s intimidation and presence and stubbornness. She was not a push over. “That’s a great idea! I mean… maybe we can leave the kids with you when this little guy… or girl decides to come. They can all have a camp out.” Tae was too young to come to the hospital and Connor had begged and pleaded but Devin told him the baby wasn’t going anywhere and he could see his new brother or sister the next day.

[Autumn Wolfsteade]

"Even if you did, the first thing they would learn after that would be how to write like Momma." Autumn sighed, shaking her head slightly. If there was just one word to describe the Connor and Skylar duo (accompanied by Caitie, of course), it was 'crafty'. There was always some way to get around the rules or something in which Autumn couldn't even be mad, not with the resourcefulness that they always managed. The perpetual smile that Autumn possessed turned upwards just a little bit more as her attention drifted to her youngest two enjoying their summer fun. They were so cute! She'd have to dig out the super soaker gun that Skylar had begged for last summer for a later date, The kids would like that one, right? What wasn't to like, fill it, pump it and soak each other! She was pretty sure that she and Johnny had ended up using it more than their sons had. It was pretty enjoyable.

"We're just missing Evan and her bunch and we'd have a regular party." Autumn teased since between the three of them, they had quite a gathering of kids to play. Like their own little play group! She was glad to have other mommies as friends since comparing battle stories and getting advice was quite a nice thing. Like knowing that the bickering sibling thing was very common. Autumn, being and only child, didn't really know much about the sibling dynamics. That was more of Johnny's expertise and so she usually followed his lead when it came down to sibling arguments, save for the ones that involved them hitting one another, an automatic time out followed that one. "Awhh," She murmured at the tale of Connor reading to his sister. It was always the little things that made parenting so worth it! Other than the fact that Autumn loved her boys!

"Avery and Luke are still scared of the dark." Autumn sighed, recalling the shopping basket full of nightlights. "But I caught them both awake the other night because Luke had to use the bathroom but Avery didn't want him to go alone." They had made their way from the bedroom and down the hall hand in hand with Avery armed with a flashlight. It was just nice to see that, despite how much they all bickered sometimes, they definitely still loved each other!

Devin was definitely deserving of Autumn's pity if it was one of those pregnancies since she'd had one herself with Luke. Maybe that helped make the decision that three was the magic number, aside from the fact that she and Johnny had agreed upon that years ago when she was still pregnant with Skylar. She laughed softly at each of the Moran children's desires for their younger unborn sibling. "He thinks be wants another sister now!" She joked, wondering how they were going to manage with the small bathroom that the house had! Even with an addition, it could be pretty tight quarters. "Absolutely you can." Autumn agreed with Devin since she couldn't imagine having to worry about having a baby and making sure that all the other kids were in order and safe!

At least there would be no worry of that while Autumn was watching them! She'd watch that tent like a hawk! Although even all the supervision in the world couldn't prevent accidents, as they were soon to find out.

[Devin Moran]

“Don’t give them ideas!” Devin laughed already knowing that Connor had forged Shane’s signature once on a permission slip. He was really his father’s son. Which was why when it came time for punishment with Connor Shane was the one in charge as it had that extra sting to it. Of course when it came to her he’d give her wide blue eyes and used a certain tone that mimicked Shane when he was pouting and she folded like a cheap suit. It became sort of a deal. Devin would punish the girls and Shane would take care of Connor. For the most part though their kids were well behaved and she was sure that they wouldn’t get into too much trouble. “I don’t think we could handle that many,” Devin sighed rubbing her belly. “Stressful enough with Taegan’s birthday next month. Apparently we have to invite her whole class,” Devin rolled her eyes since she was barely able to keep up with her three right now let alone twenty or so more.

Devin was glad that her kids, and Autumn’s had siblings. Even on the days she thought she’d murder her own children and not want another baby added onto it, they’d do something that was adorable and sweet. Still… having a fourth kid while exciting had Devin wondering if this was their last surprise. Shane joked that if it was another girl they’d have to keep trying to even out the numbers. Devin didn’t exactly think he was being funny.

"I’m taking the girls and the baby with me to North Carolina to visit my grandparents. Giving Shane and Connor bonding time while they hopefully get the addition done on the house. We just got approval from the company to add another bedroom and bath with a second story.” As soon as they found out they were pregnant again it was the first decision they came to. If it was another girl it would be time for Caitie to have her own room at least, but they definitely needed another bathroom. “I mean it really depends on what we have but I think we’ll do it anyway so Connor can have his own room instead of dealing with a baby and we can finally have our own bath.”

She was so thankful that Autumn said she’d take the kids. At least Caitie would be with her godmother and Connor with his best friend. Taegan was easy and if anything she could go stay with Ellie at Evan’s. Just about to thank Autumn, Devin’s mommy sense was tingling. Into the drive on her hot pink bike was Caitie.

”Mommy! Mommy! Skylar is hurt! We were riding back… and he fell… and…” She was sniffling and crying which for the kid that wasn’t hurt it still had Devin getting up as fast as she could to meet her daughter on the path.”We told Daddy and he said he’d keep Skylar’s bike and bring it back after work…-sniff- and he’s on Connor’s handle bars.”

From around the corner Devin could hear voices. ”Dude! That was so cool! You totally ate it… it’s disgusting… Can I touch it?”

[Autumn Wolfsteade]

Autumn laughed softly since their boys were quite a handful but she had to admit, she was so glad that they got along so well. She'd always heard stories of friends trying to still stay close after having kids but as the children grew older, they just didn't get along. Which made getting together just that much harder. But luckily the Morans and the Wolfsteades got along famously, even better since they were neighbors. Happy shrieks of Luke and Avery were a bit distracting as they slide along their bellies and backs on the strip of plastic sheet that seemed to provide no end of entertainment for them! "You know I'd be happy to help with Tae's birthday if you'd like the help." She offered, trying to think of some kind of theme but she was sure that Devin already had some kind of idea.

"Have the girls flown before?" She asked, knowing that for some, that could be a rather traumatic experience. Autumn really wanted to visit her parents back in New York but taking three boys onto a plane was a little nerve wracking for her, especially since she rather disliked flying herself. Which meant a trip back to China was most certainly out of the question. But it didn't bother her too much. The Lei grandparents visited frequently enough and her new family was here in the United States, in Evergreen so that was enough for her.

Of course that peaceful image was soon pushed aside as Devin heaved herself up, Autumn following suit with a bit more ease seeing as she was lacking the pregnant belly her friend had (yet again). The woman looked instantly concerned since Caitie was crying and the boys were no where in sight. The first words out of the girl's mouth already had Autumn searching the street for Connor and Skylar. 'Skylar got hurt.' were the only words circling her mind as she waited as patiently as she could. Of course, then came the flood of worries and scenarios of what was hurt and how severe it was. A scrape? A concussion? Was it serious or something that a band aid and a kiss could fix?

Of course, Connor's words were not helping at all nor was the sight of Skylar Wolfsteade fighting back tears while one hand gripped his other arm, obviously bloodied. "Devin, Devin, do you have a towel?" She asked as she hurried to meet the boys in the driveway. The sniffling Skylar was saying soemthing about how he'd prefer that Connor didn't touch it but he was quiet when his mother came over, save from a whimper as he climbed off the handlebars. Any movement jarred the obviously broken arm. Of course Autumn looked just as pale as her son as he lifted his hand to display just how bad the fall had been. Obviously pretty bad seeing as it was an obvious compound fracture.

Naturally today was the day that Johnny was working and had therefore taken the car. "A towel...and Devin, can we borrow your car?" She requested, obviously trying to keep herself calm for the sake of her poor son. Skylar, meanwhile had conceded to Connor's request as usual, allowing the boy the opportunity to touch the bone. When would they get another chance like that? Even if it did hurt like hell...

[Devin Moran]

“Please… I have about a million party favors to do,” Devin sighed. Caitie and Connor hadn’t gone to pre-school and instead Devin taught them from home. But then she got pregnant right when Taegan was old enough and Shane and her thought it was best that Taegan go to school at least for half days. It was a good thing too that Caitie and Gemma Hunter and Connor and Sky got along because most afternoons she didn’t have to take care of kids or make snacks and could work in a nap with Taegan. But now it was summer and there were birthdays and summer baseball and football camp and dance lessons.

As Autumn asked if the girls had flown before, Devin nodded her head. “Shane had that convention in Orlando and so we drove down with him and flew back. Next time we decide to do Disneyworld you and Johnny have to come with. More hands for more kids,” Devin laughed knowing that even with Shane and her deciding this baby was the end of the line that there was a chance for more unexpected surprises.

Down on the path though holding Caitie, Devin directed her to the porch step to sit. Taegan crawled over to give her big sister a hug which for Taegan who wasn’t a very affectionate child was a big deal. ”Will Skylar have a ouchie like me?” the little girl asked as Connor and Skylar pulled into the drive. Devin thought she was going to be sick even though she had seen it before with Taegan. Damn hormones! “Caitie go into the house and get my car keys,” Devin said in her no nonsense voice which had both girls jumping up and running inside hand and hand. Luckily she had brought out towels for the kids to use in case they went on the slip and slide.

“Here… take this,” she told Autumn holding out a towel. Connor of course was saying how epic Skylar’s fall was and how cool his broken arm looked and being a boy. Which had Devin pulling him away by the ear and to get Luke and Avery all dried up. “Autumn it will be okay… we’ll go to the hospital… I’ll even call Alec on the way and see if he can make it so we don’t have to wait long,” Devin said in her calm reassuring voice as the girls came out with their mother’s purse and car keys. Taegan shuffled up to Skylar and tugged on his sleeve. ”It’s otay, Sky. We can match!” she stated holding up her cast for Skylar to see.

[Autumn Wolfsteade]

Autumn would have liked to be able to relax and chat and think about flying to the most magical place on earth with all the Wolfsteades and Moran children in tow but for now all pleasantries had stopped since panic was creeping its way up into her. She had to stay calm, this happened all the time, right? After all, Devin had gone through this with Tae, she'd seen other kids about the town in casts, they were alright! But this one, well, she'd never actually seen a break like this one! With the bone poking out and everything. She thanked Devin absently as she took the towel from her to gently blot the blood from the rest of Skylar. kissing his forehead gently as she wrapped his arm.

A panicked mother meant for sure Skylar would panic and he was trying so hard not to cry! Not to mention getting him worried was not a good method of getting him to hospital and taken care of. Said boy was trying to contain himself, even still is lower lip trembled slightly. Big boys didn't cry! Especially not in front of their best friends! He looked down to Tae who had tugged on his sleeve, offering the little girl a shaky rather forced smile. She meant well and was probably just trying to cheer him up, right? Of course it was hard to be cheered up from the throbbing arm and the bone jutting out of the unnaturally twisted limb he couldn't move. He carefully supported it as his mother temporarily left him to help Devin get his brothers dried up and ready to roll. "Yeah, we'll match." He nodded rather solemnly, "I think mine might be bigger." More room for the other kids to sign!

"Yeah, call Alec." Autumn nodded, biting her lip anxiously as she loaded the two younger of her three sons into the car, buckling them into the same seat, seeing as they were still small enough to do so and there were at least as many kids as seats if not more! She also helped get the Moranlets ready to roll since two moms made things more efficient. And the more efficient they were, the quicker they could get Skylar taken care of. She climbed into the front seat, patting her lap gently, reaching out an arm so Skylar would climb up, which he did with a pained grimace.

Cupping his arm as gently as she could while supporting it a bit, she nodded to Devin. "All ready?" She murmured, hoping that the other boys weren't too wet since she knew that they would probably be cold in the air conditioned hospital. "I need to call your daddy." She told Sky with a sigh, hoping Johnny wouldn't be too worried! Deep breaths.

[Devin Moran]

She could remember Taegan falling off the tree house ladder. Granted it wasn’t as bad as Skylar’s injury but after the tornado and looking at the broken people then and all the zombie games that Connor and Shane played together this was something that she could just take a deep breath about and get to business. It was funny how so many people had said if she hadn’t become a teacher, then a nurse or pediatrician could be her calling. “Autumn, it’s going to be okay,” Devin assured her friend as she ushered the children towards the car cell phone pressed against her ear. “Hi Alec? It’s Devin… yes Taegan is fine… no… it’s Skylar Wolfsteade… that would be great… broken arm… see you soon.” Hanging up the phone Devin noticed Caitie had Taegan but Connor was still studying Skylar’s arm with fascination.

“Connor Jacob Moran! You get in this car right now or I’m calling your father.” While the Moran children were mostly well behaved there were little things that could steer them into being good. One of those things was Shane. There was only once or twice their children were swatted on the backside and now Connor was getting into the grounded stages. But the threat of telling their father that they were misbehaving, that their parents would be disappointed and embarrassed by them was enough to get them to mind what they were told. At the three name calling Connor’s head whipped up and then eyes went wide.

Hurriedly the boy went to the vehicle helping get the two younger Wolfsteade boys and Caitie settle in their seats. Then he pulled up Taegan and got her strapped in with him in the very back. Looking up front he tried to see Skylar and his Mom. The only reason he had said it looked cool was to keep Skylar calm and that if he didn’t think it looked too bad than it wasn’t too bad. “Alec said he’ll meet us in the waiting room,” Devin told Autumn adjusting the seat for her stomach and because Shane had been the last to drive. A rather strong kick hurt but with a gentle rub to the spot it had landed, Devin started the car.

Dropping Sklyar and Autumn off at the entrance, Devin parked the rather large car and ushered the children into the waiting area where they found puzzles and other kids to play with. All but Connor who asked his mom if Skylar was going to be okay and felt as the oldest he had to help her corral the others until Autumn came with news. “He’ll be fine… promise.”

[Autumn Wolfsteade]

This had to be the longest car ride of Autumn's life. Here she had been thinking that going into labor has caused the longest rides to the hospital. But no, this one definitely took the cake. She couldn't help but noticed every little bump and rut in the road that the car barreled over as Devin drove. And if she could feel them, poor Skylar must have been in excruciating pain! Her poor baby! Said boy was practically clinging to his mother in a way he hadn't done since he was little and scraped his knee or got some other boo-boo that required a band aid and a quick kiss to fix. But this was going to take a lot more than that.

Once they were there, she carefully picked up her son, carrying him inside which was quite a feat for the woman. But it must have been the freaked out mommy adrenaline that gave her the strength and energy to do so. She looked behind her to make sure that Devin had the rest of the kids handled, glad to see that she had. Autumn didn't know what she would have done if she was by herself! Luckily Dr. Woodcomb was ready and waiting, carefully pulling the boy from Autumn's arms as they hurried into the exam room.

It felt like hours before Autumn finally emerged, joining the rest of her family and friends in the waiting room, wiping her teary eyes. "They're prepping him for surgery." She told Devin, scooping up Lucas since he had been rather blubbery since his Mama and big brother disappeared into the back. The woman rocking his gently. "They have to put some rods and pins in his arm to straighten up." She murmured, shuddering slightly since had to pull his arm into traction which caused her poor baby to scream out in pain. All attempts to be strong and manly had gone out the window. She was pretty sure that his screams could have been audible out in the waiting room.

She sank into the seat next to Devin, sitting Luke in her lap, "I should call Johnny." Autumn patted her pockets for her phone, letting out a frustrated sigh since in her panic, she had left hers sitting on the table on the front porch of Devin's house. "Sorry to ask...but could I borrow your phone?" She asked, not sure where she would be if Devin wasn't around to keep her calm through this. "And thank you..." Obviously that was meant for more than just the phone borrowing.

[Devin Moran]

The wait seemed to take forever and it wasn’t even her child! She remembered bringing in Taegan and how Shane had hurried from work to meet them there. Out of all their children, Devin felt that their youngest was the toughest. The little girl didn’t need her daddy or her mommy holding her hand. It wasn’t until the pain killers had kicked in that Taegan began to make grabby hands for Shane so she could got to sleep. Between being pregnant, wrangling two kids, a husband, and an injured little girl, Devin had found herself exhausted that night. She knew exactly how Autumn was feeling.

Moran children played with toys and tried to make sure that the remaining Wolfsteades were distracted. Connor at some point did the silent communication thing he had with his eldest sister and sat by his mom with a stoic face. It amused her how much he was like his father. Lucas had started to sniffle and Devin held the little one as best as possible on her lap and told him that everything was going to be okay. And then Autumn appeared and Aunt Devin was chopped liver compared to a mother’s hug.

“Alec will make sure he’s okay. And Skylar is a tough boy.” Skylar always had been from the time he was born. It was something Connor and him had in common and liked to brag about. Both had been born premature and while Skylar Wolfsteade stayed on the smaller side, Connor grew like a weed. But both would puff out their chest when any of their parents called them fighters. “As soon as he gets the cast on all he’ll be thinking about is the ice cream he’ll be getting to eat for the next few days.” The drugs were so much for poor little Taegan that she could only stomach ice cream; that or Shane was spoiling his children as per usual.

“Here… and if you’d like we can take the boys for the night. You’ll have your hands full.” Reaching into her purse, Devin pulled out her phone offering it to Autumn. “What are friends for? Besides, it isn’t like you wouldn’t do the same thing for us.”

[Autumn Wolfsteade]

Autumn kissed the top of Luke's head since he was still a bit teary and in all honesty, so was Autumn. How many surgeries was Skylar going to have to deal with in his life? At least this wasn't link to his premature birth but to the fact that he'd gotten over the ailments that had caused him. he crashed his bike when being a normal little boy with his best friend. At least he had been having fun before this and it wasn't as if Autumn had gone to get him in the morning to find him struggling to breathe and rather blue. So that was definitely a relief for her. Skylar really was a trooper and Autumn was relieved of that.

Thanking Devin for the umpteenth time today, she took the cellphone from her friend, dialing the number she had long since committed to memory. It rang a few times and a familiar and soothing voice filled the speaker portion, unfortunately it was voicemail and that was normal. Autumn knew there was a good chance that Johnny wouldn't be able to pick up his phone if they were busy. But it was still a relief to hear the recorded message. "Hey, Johnny...I'm at the hospital with the boys, Sky fell off his bike and broke his arm, they have to do surgery..." Her voice was rather tired but who could blame her. "I kind of left my phone at home so if you want to call back on Devin's. But we'll be here for a while. Love you, bye." She murmured, hitting the end button before surrendering the device back to her friend.

A calming sigh escaped her and she gently rocked back and forth on the seat, not really for her sake but for Lucas' since he was beginning to look sleepy. Maybe all the excitement and tears had worn him out. Luckily Avery was still distracted by the other Moran kids so there was no further tears! "Thanks again, Devin," Autumn smiled to the woman beside her, truly appreciative. There had been more than one occasion where she had saved their asses! Although she felt a little guilty since things had gone from peaceful to horrible very quickly and she was sure this was not how Devin wanted to spend her afternoon. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to." Of course, Autumn would have loved the company should Devin decide to stay plus help wrangling the kids. But if Johnny came sometime soon, Autumn would be okay.

"They said the surgery could take anywhere from one hour to three, so..." Autumn was sure that Devin had plenty of other things to do, she wasn't going to ask her to stay!